Screw my editors for allotting me a lousy 10 SXSW hip-hop picks. This isn't 2005, when a diehard fan with a pocketful of stimulants could make every rap showcase around Austin. Of the seven of us heading down, I'm the only one checking for boom-bap, so I'll prop as many damn artists as I want.

My methodology was simple: I selected acts that have amazed me in person before and/or released phenomenal projects in the past year. Those left off should not fear, though, as I'll be at six showcases a day writing, tweeting, firing my camera, and taping your mid-street ciphers.

If there's any theme here, it's that while hipster-hop is not officially over, it's damn near close. Looking at the line-ups, it seems like authentic and lyrically substantial rap music has returned. You'd never know that from reading lists contrived by indie rockers, who exclusively select MCs who share publicists with their favorite bands. But as usual, I've got you covered.

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THE BPD ADDS INSULT TO INJURY | February 05, 2013 At times, this kind of decision makes you wonder whether the BPD is saving its best awards for officers who've been involved in the death of civilians.